K-State Battles 23rd-Ranked Baylor to Scoreless Draw

Sunday, October 10

Manhattan, Kan.

1 p.m.

Kansas State University

6-6-2, 1-2-2

(23) Baylor

7-3-4, 3-1-1

Baylor

Kansas St.

Oct 10, 2021 | Soccer

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MANHATTAN, Kansas – With the assistance of a school record performance from goalkeeper Alaina Werremeyer, Kansas State soccer registered its second draw of the weekend against a ranked opponent as the Wildcats held 23rd-ranked Baylor to a 0-0 draw on Sunday afternoon at Buser Family Park.

Sunday's match was K-State's the third straight overtime match. This is the first time K-State has played three or more consecutive overtime matches in a season.

"Resilient effort," said K-State head coach Mike Dibbini about his team's third straight overtime match. "We survived a thunderstorm in the first half; they were itching to get one back after the loss to KU. The ability to keep grinding and to make some adjustments at half-time allowed us to get back in the game."

K-State (6-6-2, 1-2-2 Big 12) saw a record performance from its sophomore goalkeeper from Blue Springs, Missouri. Werremeyer finished the afternoon with a school record 13 saves and faced a total of 21 shots. Among her 13 saves, Werremeyer made eight stops in the first half, which established a new school record for a first half.

"I think Sunday games are just a testament of how bad the girls want it," said Werremeyer about her team's performance. "The grit they showed today was incredible. We played really well against a really tough opponent."

In the 82nd minute in regulation, Werremeyer came through in a clutch situation. Baylor (7-3-4, 3-1-1 Big 12) was awarded a penalty kick following a K-State foul in the box. Baylor's Ally Henderson-Ashkinos stepped to the spot to take the attempt. Werremeyer was up to the challenge and made a diving stop to her lower right to keep the match scoreless.

"You can't think about what might or might not happen," said Werremeyer about her penalty save. "You just trust what you know about the other team and do what you have to do."

The penalty kick save was the second penalty save in program history and the first K-State stop at Buser Family Park. The last K-State penalty save came at the hands of Rachel Harris, who stopped an Oklahoma penalty kick in Norman on October 3, 2019.

Before the end of regulation in the 85th minute, K-State put together a threatening attack. Brookelynn Entz dribbled to the Baylor end line before crossing a pass in front of the Bears' goal mouth. Maddie Weichel flew in from the left wing to redirect the ball but was brought down to the ground as the ball sat inches from the Baylor goal line. Weichel attempted to edge the ball across the line but was unable to get a toe on the ball and Baylor goalkeeper Jennifer Wandt scooped up the orb before the Wildcats could tally a goal.

Baylor held a 21-8 advantage in total shots and a 13-2 lead in shots on goal.

With Sunday's performance, K-State has not allowed a second half goal in Big 12 action and have allowed just two all season. The last time K-State surrendered a second half goal came on September 9 at Purdue.

K-State will embark on a three-match road trip, beginning with a two-match swing through the state of Oklahoma. The Wildcats will face Oklahoma State on Thursday, October 14, at 7 p.m., in Stillwater. The match will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

What They Said

MIKE DIBBINI, HEAD COACH
On the team fighting through a third straight overtime match...
"Resilient effort. We survived a thunderstorm in the first half; they were itching to get one back after the loss to KU. The ability to keep grinding and to make some adjustments at half-time allowed us to get back in the game."

On the team's character...
"Growing up, a lot of growth. Couldn't be more proud of their effort. They understand that they can play. They believe now."

On where the team is at in regards to full potential...
"Probably on the cusp. Defensively, we're growing. Offensively, we can be cleaner. If we can just continue to grow in those areas and on set pieces as well, I think we can be very, very dangerous."

On what another win would mean for the team...
"It's major. It shows where we've come from. We are playing much better, playing collectively. There's a lot of positives and that would just show how far we've come."

MADDIE WEICHEL, SOPHOMORE FORWARD
On the gritty performance...
"That was huge. We all are working super hard and to come out with two overtime results in a weekend and get that result on a Sunday is really big for our confidence and will help us go into next weekend."

On Alaina's effectiveness with the entire team...
"She has stepped up. It helps us all out, we trust her so much and we know she's gonna make those big saves."

On overall thoughts looking forward…
"I think we can do so much. To have those two teams here, we competed so well. Everyone contributed on and off the bench to get the results we needed. I think that's going to carry us forward."

ALAINA WERREMEYER, SOPHOMORE GOALIE
On the team's performance...
"I think Sunday games are just a testament of how bad the girls want it. The grit they showed today was incredible. We played really well against a really tough opponent."

On what went through her mind facing the penalty kick...
"You can't think about what might or might not happen. You just trust what you know about the other team and do what you have to do.

On the toughness the team continues to show...
"I said it on Thursday and I'll say it again. Just uncommon grit. This team might not be the biggest, strongest or fastest in the Big 12, and that's what the Big 12 is known for, but they're going to fight and compete."